Hawthorne, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- HMC Ch. 17.22C Airport Overlay Zone
- AOZ Area #1 contour
- 2012 65 CNEL noise contour
- AOZ Area #2 contour
- 2012 60 CNEL noise contour
- Interior noise standard
- 45 dB CNEL, doors/windows closed
- New noise-sensitive uses
- Barred outright in Area #1
- Disclosure required
- At sale, both AOZ areas
Summary
Hawthorne's Airport Overlay Zone (AOZ) wraps Hawthorne Municipal Airport and splits into Area #1 (2012 65 CNEL noise contour) and Area #2 (60 CNEL contour). New noise-sensitive buildings in Area #1 must hit an interior noise level of 45 dB CNEL with doors and windows shut, and brand-new noise-sensitive uses are barred outright there under Hawthorne Code § 17.22C.050.
A. AOZ Area #1. The following provisions shall apply within AOZ Area #1: 1. Interior Noise Standard. Any structure inhabited or used by a noise-sensitive use, as defined in this chapter, shall be required to provide sound insulation within the newly constructed area to meet an interior noise level of 45 dB CNEL or less with all doors and windows closed, consistent with Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations... 3. New Noise-Sensitive Uses. New noise-sensitive land uses shall not be introduced within AOZ Area #1. This applies to the introduction of new land uses other than an existing land use, as defined in this chapter, and does not apply to the replacement, reconstruction, improvement, or expansion of an existing noise-sensitive land use.
Full Breakdown
010). 020). "Noise-sensitive use" covers habitable living, eating, cooking or sleeping space in single- or multifamily homes, hotels and motels, hospitals and nursing homes, places of worship, meeting halls and mortuaries, and schools, libraries and museums. 050(A)(1)). 050(A)(3)). 050(A)(2), (B)(1)). 060).
Violations & Fines
A Title 17 violation, including building in the AOZ without meeting the interior-noise or disclosure requirements, is enforced under Hawthorne Code § 1.20.010: it is a misdemeanor unless the city attorney charges it as an infraction or pursues it as a civil administrative citation instead. A misdemeanor conviction carries up to a $1,000 fine, six months in jail, or both, with each day the violation continues counted as a separate offense, and the noncompliant condition can also be summarily abated as a public nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a new house inside Hawthorne's AOZ Area #1?
What interior noise level must new construction meet near Hawthorne Airport?
Do sellers have to disclose the airport to buyers?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hawthorne
California rules heatmap·Compare Hawthorne to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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